
ADG3241
Rev. B | Page 12 of 16
BUS SWITCH APPLICATIONS
MIXED VOLTAGE OPERATION, LEVEL
TRANSLATION
Bus switches can provide an ideal solution for interfacing
between mixed voltage systems. The ADG3241 is suitable for
applications where voltage translation from 3.3 V technology to
a lower voltage technology is needed. This device can translate
from 3.3 V to 1.8 V, from 2.5 V to 1.8 V, or bidirectionally from
3.3 V directly to 2.5 V.
Figure 27 shows a block diagram of a typical application in
which a user needs to interface between a 3.3 V ADC and a
2.5 V microprocessor. The microprocessor may not have 3.3 V
tolerant inputs, therefore placing the ADG3241 between the
two devices allows the devices to communicate easily. The bus
switch directly connects the two blocks, thus introducing
minimal propagation delay, timing skew, or noise.
3.3V ADC
2.5V
3.3V
A
D
G3241
3.3V
2.5V
MICROPROCESSOR
04
221
-02
7
Figure 27. Level Translation Between a 3.3 V ADC and a 2.5 V Microprocessor
3.3 V TO 2.5 V TRANSLATION
When VCC is 3.3 V (SEL = 3.3 V) and the input signal range is
0 V to VCC, the maximum output signal will be clamped to
within a voltage threshold below the VCC supply.
ADG3241
2.5V
3.3V
2.5V
3.3V
04
22
1-
02
8
Figure 28. 3.3 V to 2.5 V Voltage Translation, SEL = VCC
In this case, the output is limited to 2.5 V, as shown in
Figure 29.This device can be used for translation from 2.5 V to 3.3 V
devices and also between two 3.3 V devices.
2.5V
0V
3.3V
VOUT
SW
IT
C
H
OU
T
P
U
T
SWITCH
INPUT
VIN
3.3V SUPPLY
SEL = 3.3V
04
22
1-
0
29
Figure 29. 3.3 V to 2.5 V Voltage Translation, SEL = VCC
2.5 V TO 1.8 V TRANSLATION
When VCC is 2.5 V (SEL = 2.5 V) and the input signal range is
0 V to VCC, the maximum output signal is, as before, clamped to
within a voltage threshold below the VCC supply. In this case, the
output is limited to approximately 1.8 V, as shown in
Figure 31.
ADG3241
1.8V
2.5V
04
22
1-
0
30
Figure 30. 2.5 V to 1.8 V Voltage Translation, SEL = 2.5 VCC
1.8V
0V
2.5V
VOUT
SW
IT
C
H
OU
T
P
U
T
SWITCH
INPUT
VIN
2.5V SUPPLY
SEL = 2.5V
04
22
1-
0
31
Figure 31. 2.5 V to 1.8 V Voltage Translation, SEL = VCC
3.3 V TO 1.8 V TRANSLATION
The ADG3241 offers the option of interfacing between a 3.3 V
device and a 1.8 V device. This is possible through the use of
the SEL pin. The SEL pin is an active low control pin. SEL
activates internal circuitry in the ADG3241 that allows voltage
translation between 3.3 V devices and 1.8 V devices.
ADG3241
1.8V
3.3V
0
422
1-
0
32
Figure 32. 3.3 V to 1.8 V Voltage Translation, SEL = 0 V
When VCC is 3.3 V and the input signal range is 0 V to VCC,
the maximum output signal is clamped to 1.8 V, as shown in
Figure 32. To do this, the SEL pin must be tied to Logic 0. If
SEL is unused, it should be tied directly to VCC.